Men and Health Insurance Coverage

By Meredith Ledford on January 17th, 2010

Various organizations focus on the significance of having affordable health insurance for different population groups. These groups include women, children, minority groups, the self-employed, and young adults.

However, men are largely ignored--rarely do you find advocacy organizations dedicating sections of their websites to men's health insurance. This may be because women utilize the health care system more for their needs, as well as their children's needs. Also, women often face greater rates of discrimination through higher insurance premiums, and cost-sharing requirements.

This does not mean, as a man, that your health care needs are less important or are unnecessary. This could not be further from the truth.

If you are a man, here are some reasons you should get a free health insurance quote. Health insurance may ensure that your health care needs are met, and that the health care needs of your family are met as well.

Two Primary Reasons for Men to Have Affordable Health Insurance Coverage

Extend Life Expectancy: If you are a man, as you age you face an increased risk of disorders such as hypertension, cardiovascular disease and other chronic conditions, as well as prostate and testicular problems. Oftentimes, health insurance may ensure that you stay in touch with your health care provider, receive regular check-ups, and preventive care. Overall, having health insurance may increase your longevity and ensure a better quality of life as you grow older

Support Family: Men continue to be the primary bread-winners in many homes. For this reason, your income is often depended upon to provide necessary goods and services--one of which may be health insurance coverage. For example, if you are a male and have employer based coverage, it is likely that your coverage does not only insure you but your immediate family as well

Men May Face Barriers to Affordable Health Insurance Coverage

Even if you understand the significance of coverage, the current recession may prevent you from having employer sponsored health insurance--the type of health coverage the majority of Americans have.

Men are more likely to have employer-provided health insurance than their female counterparts. This may be largely because employers in male-dominated industries, such as construction and manufacturing, often provide employer-based coverage for long-term employees. However, these two industries have not fared well in this recession, and therefore, have exacerbated the impact of job loss and health coverage for many men and their families.

Health Insurance Reform will Protect Men and Their Families

While it is important to keep intact the health coverage that the majority of Americans have (i.e. employer-based coverage), current health insurance legislation may offer additional protections for you should you lose your employer-based coverage.

With health insurance reform, your coverage may not be directly linked to your employer. You may have the option to shop for affordable health insurance through state and regional health insurance markets, or exchanges. This could allow you to efficiently shop for coverage that could be affordable, and may meet the needs of your family and your future health care needs. Don't wait to begin your search for affordable health insurance; get your free health insurance quotes here today.